Shenazzar
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Shenazzar is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. He appears in the post-exilic context, specifically in the lineage of Zerubbabel, a prominent leader during the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity. The name "Shenazzar" is found in the Old Testament, and its etymology is often associated with Babylonian origins, possibly meaning "protect the king" or "Sin (the moon god) protect the father."

Biblical References:

Shenazzar is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:18, which provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Jehoiachin, the king of Judah who was taken into Babylonian exile. The verse states:

"Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah."

In this context, Shenazzar is listed as one of the sons of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), who was the king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. This genealogical record is significant as it traces the lineage of the Davidic line through the period of exile and into the restoration era.

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of Shenazzar in the genealogies highlights the continuity of the Davidic line despite the challenges faced during the Babylonian exile. The preservation of this lineage is crucial for the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies, which foretold that the Messiah would come from the house of David. Shenazzar's inclusion in the genealogy underscores the faithfulness of God in maintaining His covenant promises to David, even in times of national crisis and displacement.

The post-exilic period was a time of rebuilding and restoration for the Jewish people. Leaders like Zerubbabel, who is a descendant of Shenazzar, played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of the temple and the re-establishment of Jewish worship in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel's leadership is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises and a precursor to the coming of the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Linguistic Considerations:

The name Shenazzar reflects the cultural and linguistic influences of the Babylonian exile. Many Jewish names from this period exhibit Babylonian elements, indicating the extent of cultural assimilation during the captivity. This assimilation is evident in the adoption of Babylonian names and customs, which were often blended with traditional Hebrew practices.

Significance in Biblical Genealogy:

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve not only as historical documentation but also as theological affirmations of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Shenazzar's place in these records is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the hope of redemption and restoration for His people. The genealogies remind readers of the divine orchestration of history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David.

In summary, Shenazzar is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing the continuity of the Davidic line through the trials of exile and the hope of restoration in the post-exilic period. His mention in the genealogies underscores the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises and the anticipation of the coming Messiah.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHENAZZAR

she-naz'-ar (shen'atstsar): A son of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin) and uncle of Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:18, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Sanesar; Lucian, Sanasar; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) Sennaser, Senneser). It is highly probable that Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8, 11), "the prince of Judah," and Shenazzar are identical (so Meyer, Rothstein, etc.). The name is difficult; some suggest a corruption of shushbalatstsar, and as equivalent to Sin-usur, "Sin (the moon-god) protect."

Strong's Hebrew
8137. Shenatstsar -- uncle of Zerubbabel
... 8136, 8137. Shenatstsar. 8138 . uncle of Zerubbabel. Transliteration: Shenatstsar
Phonetic Spelling: (shen-ats-tsar') Short Definition: Shenazzar. ...
/hebrew/8137.htm - 6k
Library

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Thesaurus
Shenazzar (1 Occurrence)
...SHENAZZAR. ... It is highly probable that Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8, 11), "the prince of
Judah," and Shenazzar are identical (so Meyer, Rothstein, etc.). ...
/s/shenazzar.htm - 7k

Shenazar (1 Occurrence)
... SHENAZAR. she-na'-zar: the King James Version = the Revised Version (British
and American) SHENAZZAR (which see). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/shenazar.htm - 6k

Sanabassarus
... A later proposal is to identify Sanabassar with Shenazzar, the uncle of Zerubbabel
in 1 Chronicles 3:18. ... See SHENAZZAR; ZERUBBABEL. S. Angus. ...
/s/sanabassarus.htm - 8k

Shenaz'zar (1 Occurrence)
Shenaz'zar. Shenazzar, Shenaz'zar. Shenir . ... 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram,
and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. (See RSV). ...
/s/shenaz'zar.htm - 6k

Sanabassar
... A later proposal is to identify Sanabassar with Shenazzar, the uncle of Zerubbabel
in 1 Chronicles 3:18. ... See SHENAZZAR; ZERUBBABEL. S. Angus. ...
/s/sanabassar.htm - 8k

Nedabi'ah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nedabi'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram,
and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. (See RSV). ...
/n/nedabi'ah.htm - 6k

Nedabiah (1 Occurrence)
... Nedabiah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar,
Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV) ...
/n/nedabiah.htm - 7k

Jekami'ah (2 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah,
Hoshama, and Nedabiah. (See RSV). Jekamiah, Jekami'ah. Jekuthiel . ...
/j/jekami'ah.htm - 6k

Jekamiah (2 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram,
and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. ...
/j/jekamiah.htm - 7k

Malchiram (1 Occurrence)
... Malchiram (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar,
Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/m/malchiram.htm - 7k

Resources
Who was Sheshbazzar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Shenazzar (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 3:18
and Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Shenazzar

Related Terms

Shenazzar (1 Occurrence)

Shenir (2 Occurrences)

Shenazar: Son of Jeconiah
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